News

Saracens to adopt Arsenal approach

October 03 2008

Saracens boss Eddie Jones could adopt "the Arsenal approach" when his team launch their EDF Energy Cup campaign on Sunday.

Jones is likely to field some of the club's bright young talent, including fly-half Alex Goode and wing Noah Cato, against the Scarlets at Vicarage Road.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has championed a similar philosophy in the round-ball game, consistently showcasing the Gunners' enviable youth resources during Carling Cup ties, which was highlighted by a recent 6-0 drubbing of Sheffield United.

"We believe we have a strong squad," said Jones.

"We've kept a pretty settled team in the first five Guinness Premiership games, so there are still a number of guys who haven't played this season and they are desperate to be involved.

"We've also got some very talented youngsters in the likes of Noah Cato and Alex Goode, and we've already seen Andy Saull come into the team and stake his claim this season.

"We may take a bit of the Arsenal approach and put out some of the younger guys alongside some experienced heads."

Saracens are drawn in Group D with the Scarlets, Northampton and Bristol, while cup holders the Ospreys also kick off their trophy defence on Sunday, tackling Liberty Stadium visitors Harlequins.

Many English clubs are likely to field under-strength sides, especially having just experienced the rigours of two Premiership games inside a week.

But Quins can expect few favours from an Ospreys line-up likely to include Wales Grand Slam stars Gavin Henson, Shane Williams, Lee Byrne and skipper Ryan Jones.

"At the start of any competition the target has to be to win it, particularly when you are defending your title, and we have no intention of just handing over the EDF Energy Cup to another team," said Ryan Jones.

"In this competition, if you lose your first game, then it can be very difficult to progress, so we realise that we have to get off to a flying start."